Overview
Be part of the game day spectacle at next year’s ReliaQuest Bowl. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes your band to Tampa to perform in a thrilling mass band halftime show, march in the ReliaQuest Bowl Parade in historic Ybor City, and compete in a field show competition for a chance to headline the Pre-Game Show. Ring in the New Year with a fireworks show at Busch Gardens®. Applications are now open for December 2025 through January 2026!
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Tampa, FL
Walt Disney World® Resort or Universal Orlando Resort™ (optional)
Sightseeing
Explore Tampa and spend free time at the beach.
Director's Welcome Reception
Meet the event staff, get to know your colleagues, and walk through stadium and halftime performance logistics.
Meet your Course Leader
Day 2
National ReliaQuest Bowl Field Show Competition
After breakfast, head to the field show contest! One band will be selected for the Pre-Game Performance.
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay
Come face-to-face with more than 2,500 exotic creatures, explore fascinating cultures of faraway lands, and experience some of the most thrilling rides in the Southeast!
Day 3
First Rehearsal
After breakfast, begin rehearsing for the Halftime Show Mass Band performance.
Sightseeing
Visit the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, or have a beachside barbeque.
ReliaQuest Bowl Parade in Ybor City
Marching bands and color guards perform in the parade through the streets of historic Ybor City.
National ReliaQuest Bowl Music Festival Awards Celebration Dinner
Attend the Awards Celebration and enjoy dinner at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay.
Day 4
Final Rehearsal
It's time for the final halftime show dress rehearsal with everyone...marching bands, dancers, color guard, and more!
ReliaQuest Bowl Halftime Show
Step out onto the field and feel the excitement as you perform at halftime. You'll also enjoy lunch in the stadium.
Day 5
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Performance in a college bowl game halftime show or national parade event
Exclusive awards ceremony
Scenes from Recent Tampa & ReliaQuest Bowl Programs
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.